United States citizens are protected by the constitution. The U.S Constitution states that all people have the right to express and have their opinions be heard. United States citizens also have the right to free press which means they can print or say anything that is not a direct threat to life or harmful to others. Unfortunately over 50 countries do not have this right. These countries do not permit people to print or say anything that the government doesn't agree with. These people are usually oppressed and do not have basic rights like people in the United States do. Among these countries is North Korea, the most censored country in the world.
Map of North Korea
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Section I: Censorship in North Korea
North Korea (A.K.A. The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) is very limiting on what they allow the people of their country say and view. The one party regime does not allow any unauthorized publications of newspapers or books because they do not want people questioning them or revolting. It has been referred to as on the most oppressed nations in the world. “The country functions as an insulated microcosmic society that sees power centralized in a single, familial regime.”(North Korea Freedom)
The Kim's have been in power the entirety of North Korea's existence and they have been oppressive and abusive with their power.
North Korean Flag
Section II: North Korean government and its constitution
North Korea is a one party government where the ruler (Kim Jong Un) has absolute power. The government does not give the people any power so it is the exact opposite of the U.S. The ruler has a cabinet of advisers but they do not share the power with the ruler, the ruler has all the power. The constitution states that there is a supreme ruler and he has the most power. The term communism was in the constitution but was dropped from it. The rulers are chosen from the Kim family and it works like a monarchy, the eldest son gains leadership and it will stay that way unless something changes. “Comrade Kim Il Sung set the reunification of the country as the nation’s supreme task, and devoted all his work and endeavors entirely to its realization.”(U-Turn) This shows he is the supreme leader and he is depicted as great hero, showing he has power. He attempts to show his great power and the prosperity he can bring to the nation. It is evident that this is an oppressed nation however with very little prosperity
Current events in North Korea seem to focus around the military and often on testing weapons. The country’s current news is mostly taken up by the nuclear testing of this heavily militarized society and problems it causes in the area. The country's nuclear problem has made headlines several times in 2014. For one example on April 2, North Korea and South Korea fired at each other across the western sea border. It is shown that there is constant tension between North and South Korea.
“Not necessarily, argue some of those closely familiar with North Korea. They warn that under Kim Jong Un's rule, Pyongyang has shown an even greater willingness to raise the stakes, whether it be the multiple missile launches over the past several weeks, the way it stoked a crisis last spring when it announced it had ended the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement and moved intermediate missiles to its east coast, or its warning that foreign companies and tourists in South Korea should evacuate.” (Jason Miks)
This shows how North Korea is very problematic and creates conflict with its neighboring countries especially South Korea. South Korea is the opposite of North Korea because it is peaceful and does not as problematic. The country’s issues are mainly caused by its use and testing of nuclear weapons. With the power of these weapons they issue threats to other countries. The violence present in this society is why it is a dangerous place to visit.
Section IV: Safety of Journalists in North Korea
Speaking your mind in North Korea can be very dangerous. Writing or publishing many things can be dangerous depending on how it is viewed by the government. Leader Kim Jong Un does not want people speaking poorly of North Korea or showing the public and the rest of the world the bad things happening in the country. North Korea punishes journalists speaking poorly or publicizing certain topics they want to keep quiet.
Journalists in North Korea can be punished harshly depending on what it is they publicize. One case includes two American Journalists who attempted to film a report about North Koreans crossing the Truman River into China. The two journalists were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor. This is not in line with the Code of practice for the safe conduct of Journalism because these Journalists were doing nothing wrong. This shows how North Koreans take publication of their personal matters very seriously.
“Their trial has been surrounded by absolute secrecy since it began last Thursday. No members of the public or foreign observers were allowed inside the court, and the women have been allowed just one visitor – the Swedish ambassador in Pyongyang – during their four months in solitary confinement.” (McCurry, Justin)
The information on the topic is still vague but is still evident that publicizing information in North Korea can result in serious punishment in some cases. Along with the 12 months hard labor they are also placed in solitary confinement. There is no safety for journalists in North Korea
Section V: Making a difference
Laura Ling and Euna Lee are examples of journalism heroes from North Korea. Both American journalists tried to publicize issues in North Korea. Both women attempted to publicize the issue of North Koreans crossing the Truman River into China. The journalists now face prosecution and are looking at 12 years hard labor.
“Laura Ling and Euna Lee were each sentenced to 12 years of "reform through labour" for illegally entering the country and committing a "grave crime", said the state-run Korean Central News Agency.” (McCurry, Justin)
These extreme charges brought tension between North Korea and the United States. The charges against these women are not completely unjustified. It is true they illegally crossed the border into North Korea. However this is not reason enough to place such extreme charges. The two women were only exercising their right of freedom of the press. This also bought the attention of other problems in North Korea to the United States. Things such as ballistic missile testing and threats made to South Korea are examples of issues shown to the United States. This is why these two journalists are heroes. They brought tensions between U.S and North Korea higher but they also brought attention to many problems in North Korea the United States can Now take into account.
Laura Ling and Euna Lee
North Korean newspaper
Works Cited Jason Miks. "Analysis: North Korea Acts up Again; How Should West React?" CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 03 Nov. 2014.
McCurry, Justin. "North Korea Sentences Two U.S Journalists to 12 Years in Prison." The Guardian. N.p., 2014. Web.
"North Korea Freedom of the Press 2014." Freedom House. N.p., n.d. Web.
"North Korea Profile." BBC News, n.d. Web.
“U- turn on the long walk to freedom; the media in Southern Africa. “The Economist 18 Dec.2010: 92(US). General OneFile . Web . 7 Oct. 2014.
NOTES FROM MR FISHON
BE CAREFUL - LING AND LEE ARE AMERICANS...THEY WERE REPORTING IN NORTH KOREA (THEY WERE CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY CROSSING THE BORDER, I BELIEVE) YOU MIGHT WANT TO LOOK UP THE STORY OF THESE WOMEN - THE INFORMATION YOU HAVE ABOUT THEM IS NOT CORRECT.
PROOFREAD! THERE ARE STILL MISTAKES.
CAN YOU PLACE THE ARTWORK WITH THE SECTION IT REFLECTS?
MAKE SURE YOU CITE YOUR SOURCES! SPEAK TO MS SOUTHWORTH BECAUSE YOUR CITATIONS LOOK INCORRECT.
Introduction:
United States citizens are protected by the constitution. The U.S Constitution states that all people have the right to express and have their opinions be heard. United States citizens also have the right to free press which means they can print or say anything that is not a direct threat to life or harmful to others. Unfortunately over 50 countries do not have this right. These countries do not permit people to print or say anything that the government doesn't agree with. These people are usually oppressed and do not have basic rights like people in the United States do. Among these countries is North Korea, the most censored country in the world.=
=
Section I: Censorship in North Korea
North Korea (A.K.A. The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) is very limiting on what they allow the people of their country say and view. The one party regime does not allow any unauthorized publications of newspapers or books because they do not want people questioning them or revolting. It has been referred to as on the most oppressed nations in the world. “The country functions as an insulated microcosmic society that sees power centralized in a single, familial regime.”(North Korea Freedom)
The Kim's have been in power the entirety of North Korea's existence and they have been oppressive and abusive with their power.Section II: North Korean government and its constitution
North Korea is a one party government where the ruler (Kim Jong Un) has absolute power. The government does not give the people any power so it is the exact opposite of the U.S. The ruler has a cabinet of advisers but they do not share the power with the ruler, the ruler has all the power. The constitution states that there is a supreme ruler and he has the most power. The term communism was in the constitution but was dropped from it. The rulers are chosen from the Kim family and it works like a monarchy, the eldest son gains leadership and it will stay that way unless something changes. “Comrade Kim Il Sung set the reunification of the country as the nation’s supreme task, and devoted all his work and endeavors entirely to its realization.”(U-Turn) This shows he is the supreme leader and he is depicted as great hero, showing he has power. He attempts to show his great power and the prosperity he can bring to the nation. It is evident that this is an oppressed nation however with very little prosperity
For more information on the North Korean Constitution : (unofficial translation): __http://www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/061st_issue/98091708.htm__
Section III: North Korea Today
Current events in North Korea seem to focus around the military and often on testing weapons. The country’s current news is mostly taken up by the nuclear testing of this heavily militarized society and problems it causes in the area. The country's nuclear problem has made headlines several times in 2014. For one example on April 2, North Korea and South Korea fired at each other across the western sea border. It is shown that there is constant tension between North and South Korea.
“Not necessarily, argue some of those closely familiar with North Korea. They warn that under Kim Jong Un's rule, Pyongyang has shown an even greater willingness to raise the stakes, whether it be the multiple missile launches over the past several weeks, the way it stoked a crisis last spring when it announced it had ended the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement and moved intermediate missiles to its east coast, or its warning that foreign companies and tourists in South Korea should evacuate.”
(Jason Miks)
This shows how North Korea is very problematic and creates conflict with its neighboring countries especially South Korea. South Korea is the opposite of North Korea because it is peaceful and does not as problematic. The country’s issues are mainly caused by its use and testing of nuclear weapons. With the power of these weapons they issue threats to other countries. The violence present in this society is why it is a dangerous place to visit.
Section IV: Safety of Journalists in North Korea
Speaking your mind in North Korea can be very dangerous. Writing or publishing many things can be dangerous depending on how it is viewed by the government. Leader Kim Jong Un does not want people speaking poorly of North Korea or showing the public and the rest of the world the bad things happening in the country. North Korea punishes journalists speaking poorly or publicizing certain topics they want to keep quiet.
Journalists in North Korea can be punished harshly depending on what it is they publicize. One case includes two American Journalists who attempted to film a report about North Koreans crossing the Truman River into China. The two journalists were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor. This is not in line with the Code of practice for the safe conduct of Journalism because these Journalists were doing nothing wrong. This shows how North Koreans take publication of their personal matters very seriously.
“Their trial has been surrounded by absolute secrecy since it began last Thursday. No members of the public or foreign observers were allowed inside the court, and the women have been allowed just one visitor – the Swedish ambassador in Pyongyang – during their four months in solitary confinement.”
(McCurry, Justin)
The information on the topic is still vague but is still evident that publicizing information in North Korea can result in serious punishment in some cases. Along with the 12 months hard labor they are also placed in solitary confinement. There is no safety for journalists in North Korea
Section V: Making a difference
Laura Ling and Euna Lee are examples of journalism heroes from North Korea. Both American journalists tried to publicize issues in North Korea. Both women attempted to publicize the issue of North Koreans crossing the Truman River into China. The journalists now face prosecution and are looking at 12 years hard labor.
“Laura Ling and Euna Lee were each sentenced to 12 years of "reform through labour" for illegally entering the country and committing a "grave crime", said the state-run Korean Central News Agency.”
(McCurry, Justin)
These extreme charges brought tension between North Korea and the United States. The charges against these women are not completely unjustified. It is true they illegally crossed the border into North Korea. However this is not reason enough to place such extreme charges. The two women were only exercising their right of freedom of the press. This also bought the attention of other problems in North Korea to the United States. Things such as ballistic missile testing and threats made to South Korea are examples of issues shown to the United States. This is why these two journalists are heroes. They brought tensions between U.S and North Korea higher but they also brought attention to many problems in North Korea the United States can Now take into account.
Works Cited
Jason Miks. "Analysis: North Korea Acts up Again; How Should West React?" CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 03 Nov. 2014.
McCurry, Justin. "North Korea Sentences Two U.S Journalists to 12 Years in Prison." The Guardian. N.p., 2014. Web.
"North Korea Freedom of the Press 2014." Freedom House. N.p., n.d. Web.
"North Korea Profile." BBC News, n.d. Web.
“U- turn on the long walk to freedom; the media in Southern Africa. “The Economist 18 Dec.2010: 92(US). General OneFile . Web . 7 Oct. 2014.
NOTES FROM MR FISHON
BE CAREFUL - LING AND LEE ARE AMERICANS...THEY WERE REPORTING IN NORTH KOREA (THEY WERE CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY CROSSING THE BORDER, I BELIEVE) YOU MIGHT WANT TO LOOK UP THE STORY OF THESE WOMEN - THE INFORMATION YOU HAVE ABOUT THEM IS NOT CORRECT.
PROOFREAD! THERE ARE STILL MISTAKES.
CAN YOU PLACE THE ARTWORK WITH THE SECTION IT REFLECTS?
MAKE SURE YOU CITE YOUR SOURCES! SPEAK TO MS SOUTHWORTH BECAUSE YOUR CITATIONS LOOK INCORRECT.
I APPRECIATE THE HARD WORK YOU ARE PUTTING IN.